Head of MCS IO Finance | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Jobicy

Job Description

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As Head of MCS Integrated Operations Finance, you are a pivotal member of the Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) Integrated Operations Leadership Team and act as a trusted co‑pilot to the Senior Vice President, MCS Integrated Operations. In this global role, you drive financial excellence across manufacturing and supply chain operations, balancing strategic foresight with hands‑on execution. You enable data‑driven decision‑making, strengthen governance, and foster collaboration across Operations and Business Units to enhance profitability, resilience, and sustainable growth. This is a unique opportunity to influence global operations, shape long‑term value creation, and go beyond traditional finance leadership.

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as strategic finance business partner to the SVP Integrated Operations, influencing procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain decisions with a strong focus on profitability and value creation
• Own and lead all financial cycles for Integrated Operations, including yearly targets, monthly outlooks, actuals and variance analysis, and multi‑year strategic planning
• Take primary responsibility for Monthly Business Review (MBR) preparation with the CEO and CFO, co‑leading content, insights, and key messages together with the IO SVP
• Collaborate closely across the Finance organization, particularly with MCS Business Unit Finance and FP&A, to ensure accurate reporting on cash costs, productivity, and savings initiatives
• Drive robust project controlling for major capital investments, strengthening financial governance and ensuring disciplined return on investment
• Own risk and opportunity management within the IO cost perimeter, acting as accountable owner of cash costs and savings initiatives impacting EBITDA and cash flow
• Monitor financial and non‑financial KPIs related to cost efficiency, productivity, inventory management, and compliance; proactively flag variances and develop countermeasures with leadership to get back on target
• Lead and develop a truly global team of plant controllers, fostering talent development, engagement, and a high‑performance culture
• Strengthen collaboration with Business Lines to ensure strong alignment between commercial priorities and operational execution
• Champion digitalization and automation through tools such as SAP, OneStream, and Power BI to enhance transparency, efficiency, and performance tracking
• Ensure adherence to corporate accounting standards, internal controls, and compliance requirements
• Lead continuous improvement and change management initiatives, fostering grit, accountability, and a mindset of deciding and driving outcomes

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, or Business, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Min. 10+ years of experience in FP&A, Controlling, or Manufacturing Finance within a multinational environment
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to influence at senior levels and lead diverse, global teams
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills
• Deep expertise in cost accounting and SAP; strong proficiency in business intelligence and reporting tools

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas: **Microbial Control Solutions (MCS)** focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection. **Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE),** meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Expert Career Tips for Head of MCS IO Finance Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Head of MCS IO Finance, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Head of MCS IO Finance requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Head of MCS IO Finance position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.